The working weak

I was shocked and appalled to find out recently that 78 per cent of UK SME owners do nothing to encourage their staff to eat healthily and exercise.

According to research from finance provider GE Capital, only five per cent espouse the virtues of stretching one's legs on something called a 'lunch break'. (It's a new one on me too.) Apparently, three in ten SMEs are losing at least 25 days' worth of man-hours per year to sickies. The annual cost per employee stands at £412.

More than one in three SME bosses can't see any changes they could make to offer more healthy living-based support to staff. But 18 per cent would like more info on how to encourage good health. (I'd start with jogging and mixed berries.)

Shocking stuff - but I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that I always implore my employees to grab some fresh air and a stroll at lunchtime. Just yesterday I sent Gordon on a 20-minute round trip to the chippy.